Couple sentenced after series of thefts from Tesco and B&M

A couple have been banned from entering any B&M and Tesco stores across the country following a series of shop theft offences.

Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team investigated a number of reported thefts in the town over the past month.

On 2 October, a man was reported to have stolen more than £80 worth of alcohol from Tesco.

A further theft was reported on 23 October when a man took six jars of coffee from B&M and left without paying. He returned the following day and stole a further 15 jars of coffee.

Additional offences were reported on 28 October when a man and woman placed around £100 worth of alcohol into a backpack and left Tesco without paying. Two days later, approximately £92 worth of cleaning products was reportedly stolen from B&M, followed by a further theft in which stock worth around £34 was taken.

John Barry Rolt, 35, of Bank Street, Newton-le-Willows, was charged with 13 counts of theft from a shop.

Victoria Chadwick, 42, of Bank Street, Newton-le-Willows, was charged with three counts of theft from a shop.

Both appeared at Wirral Adult Remand Court on Wednesday 4 November, where a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) was imposed.

As part of the order, both are prohibited from entering any retail store together anywhere in the country for six months.

Rolt has additionally been banned from entering any B&M, Home Bargains, Tesco, Boots or Spar store in the country for two years. He was sentenced to 20 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

Chadwick was also banned from entering any B&M or Tesco store in the country for the duration of the two-year order. She was sentenced to 14 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

Neighbourhood Inspector Doug Chadwick said: “The persistent shoplifting by Rolt and Chadwick was prolific and had a significant impact on the businesses targeted, which provide an important service to the community.

“Criminal Behaviour Orders continue to be an extremely effective tool, and our successful application in this case demonstrates our commitment to dealing robustly with repeat offenders who have a negative impact on the communities we serve.

“We hope this serves as a clear warning that Merseyside Police will take firm action against prolific offenders, working closely with businesses and partners to tackle retail crime.”

To report a crime contact Merseyside Police via social media on X or Facebook @MerPolCC.

You can also report information via our website:https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at:https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously